The challenges of treating a patient with recurrent congenital toxoplasmic chorioretinitis

Abstract

Congenital toxoplasmosis is a rare, non-curable parasite infection, that affects approximately 242 children in Europe each year. Poland has one of the highest rates of congenital toxoplasmosis in Europe. Transmission of Toxoplasma gondii to the fetus results in numerous medical conditions, such as developmental delay, intellectual disabilities, seizures, hearing loss, and blindness. Chorioretinitis is a serious manifestation of congenital toxoplasmosis that can recur even after 25 years from the primary infection, which poses a significant therapeutic challenge. A 41-year-old female reported to the Ophthalmology Emergency Room due to blurred vision and pain in the right eye, accompanied by a constant headache. The patient suffered from congenital toxoplasmosis with two relapses in the past. On examination, the best-corrected visual acuity was 1,0 in both eyes, and the intraocular pressure was significantly increased. Slit-lamp examination showed vitritis and an active retinochoroidal lesion in the right eye. In the left eye, there was a retinochoroidal scar. A relapse of toxoplasmosis was suspected. Serology for Toxoplasma gondii was positive. Pyrimethamine with sulfadiazine, clindamycin, topical corticosteroids, and intraocular pressure-lowering drugs were implemented. During the treatment, the patient developed corticonuclear cataract in both eyes and reported psychotic symptoms. Clinical condition improved after the treatment with corticosteroids at a lower dose. Treatment of ocular manifestations of congenital toxoplasmosis is challenging. The clinical benefit of treatment should be weighed against side effects for each patient. Running title: Congenital toxoplasmosis treatment